You put time, love and money into your physical release. So of course, you want something in return. What, how and when? You'll find the answers right here.
Fair payment for physical music formats
As a songwriter or composer, you are entitled to payment when your work is reproduced on a physical format. That’s what we call mechanical reproduction rights. Let’s break it down for you.
What are mechanical reproduction rights?
- Is your music pressed on CD, vinyl or cassette? The producer needs to request a licence for that.
- With or without a label? If a label or publisher handles your release, they take care of the licence. If you release the music yourself, you apply for the licence via Unisono. You don’t need to be a Sabam member to do this.
- What does Sabam do? We collect the payment from the producer and pass on your share – after management costs. The amount depends on the number of copies, duration and sales price. Payments are made twice a year.
Standard rate: 8% of the retail price per copy. A minimum fee applies depending on the type of format.
Full rates available here: View the rates
Make sure you receive everything you're owed
Register all your works correctly in MySabam. That way, your mechanical rights won’t get lost along the way.
Did you know you may qualify for an exemption?
If you hold 100% of the rights to the works being reproduced, you can benefit from a special exemption. That means you only pay the management fee. A good deal, right?
- Full rights required: You must own all rights to all works on the release.
- For individuals only: Not available for organisations or companies.
- Up to 1,000 copies: The exemption applies to releases of up to 1,000 copies.
- In a band? That's fine, as long as all members agree in writing.
- Non-member co-authors? Allowed – just make sure to clearly mention them.
- Don’t forget: Write “exemption request” in the comments of your application so we can process it correctly.
Want to release a cover or a remix? Here’s what to know.
- Cover: If you perform an existing work without changing the melody or lyrics, you can apply via Unisono without extra permissions.
- Remix or adaptation: If you change the structure, lyrics or composition, you need written permission from the original rights holders first.
Reissuing a previous release? Easy.
Select your earlier application, update the number of copies and sales price, and you're done. All other data remains unchanged.
Planning a box set (CD + vinyl) with one price?
One application is enough – just include both formats. But if each format has a different sales price, you’ll need a separate application per format.
For regular producers: BIEM or Central Licensing
Independent labels and major producers that regularly release music can apply for a long-term agreement through Sabam or a foreign sister society. This comes with better conditions (e.g. promos, returns, lower published price to dealer…). Payments are processed twice a year.
Important: Make sure your works are declared correctly and on time, so we can link them to the right catalogue and pay your rights accurately.
Your music is used in a film on DVD or Blu-ray? You’re entitled to payment there too.
If your music is used in a DVD or Blu-ray release, mechanical rights apply.
- Publishing your own DVD? Complete the form and send it to Unisono. Make sure you have permission to use the music (sync rights).
- If a producer handles the release: You don’t need to take any action. Sabam ensures you receive your rights.